The Coastal Markets at Coolangatta is a beachfront market at Queen Elizabeth Park, off Marine Parade, held on the second Sunday of the month from 8 am to 2 pm. In a month with five Sundays it runs on the fourth Sunday as well.
The organiser calls it a relaxed beachfront market with local artists, handmade goods, creative crafts and gourmet food stalls. It is the southernmost of the three Coastal Markets, close to the Queensland and New South Wales border.
When are the Coolangatta markets on?
The Coolangatta markets are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month, from 8 am to 2 pm. When a month has five Sundays, there is a second market on the 4th Sunday.
The organiser says the markets are open rain, hail or shine, and asks visitors to check its social media for updates to trading.
The same organiser runs the other two Coastal Markets on different Sundays: the 1st and 3rd Sunday at The Coastal Markets at Broadbeach, and the last Sunday at The Coastal Markets at Burleigh Heads.
What you will find at the stalls
The organiser lists local artists, handmade goods, creative crafts and gourmet food stalls at Coolangatta. Across the three Coastal Markets it describes hundreds of stalls, from fashion and gifts to homewares and coastal-inspired finds.
The mix of stall holders changes from market to market.
Where it is and parking at Queen Elizabeth Park
The market is held at the Queen Elizabeth Park beachfront, off Marine Parade in Coolangatta. There is on-site car parking along Marine Parade, with disabled parking bays in the on-site car park and along Marine Parade.
On-street parking is available in the surrounding streets too, so read the signs and line markings for time limits and fees.
The drive from the Brisbane CBD is about 80 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Planning your visit
- How long: a couple of hours is plenty to look at the stalls, buy something to eat and have a wander. The market closes at 2 pm, so the earlier you arrive the more choice you will have.
- Best time: arrive early for parking and a clear look at the stalls, and go before the middle of the day if it is hot.
- What to bring: a hat, sunscreen, a water bottle, a bag for your purchases and some cash as a backup in case a stall cannot take cards.
- With kids: there are two playgrounds in the park, including a boat-shaped one opposite The Strand.
Getting there by public transport
Translink’s route 700 runs along the coast through Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads. Check the Translink journey planner for Sunday times and the closest stop to Queen Elizabeth Park.
Facilities at Queen Elizabeth Park
- Toilets: public toilets, including a disability toilet.
- Showers and water: outdoor showers along the coastal walk, a drinking fountain and a water tap.
- Picnics: barbecues, picnic shelters and picnic tables.
- Playgrounds: two, including a nautical-themed boat-shaped playground opposite The Strand.
- Accessibility: the park is reached by wide, paved connecting pathways.
Dogs at Queen Elizabeth Park
Dogs must be on a leash unless otherwise stated and are totally prohibited in children’s playground areas, under City of Gold Coast rules. Coolangatta and Greenmount beaches are dog-prohibited. The market’s own rules on dogs are not published, so check with the organiser before bringing one.
Making a morning of it
Queen Elizabeth Park is a proper park as well as a market site. Besides the stalls you will find a boardwalk, a boat ramp and beach volleyball courts, and outdoor showers along the coastal walk.
That makes it easy to split the morning: a lap of the stalls, a play at the boat-shaped playground, then lunch on a picnic table or one of the barbecues. Note that Coolangatta and Greenmount beaches are dog-prohibited, which matters if the dog is coming along for the walk.
Nearby
- Coolangatta Beach – the beach just along the coast.
- Kirra Beach – surf, swimming and parking.
- Rainbow Bay – swimming, surf and parking guide.
- The Coastal Markets at Broadbeach and The Coastal Markets at Burleigh Heads – the other two Coastal Markets.
- markets on the Gold Coast – every regular market in one guide.
More days out are listed under markets and Gold Coast, and dated events are on What’s on.
Details can change, so check the organiser’s website before you go.
Quick answers
When are the Coolangatta markets on?
The Coastal Markets Coolangatta is on the 2nd Sunday of the month, and also the 4th Sunday in months with five Sundays. Hours are 8 am to 2 pm.
Where are the Coolangatta markets?
At the Queen Elizabeth Park beachfront, off Marine Parade, Coolangatta.
Is there parking at Queen Elizabeth Park?
The council lists on-site car parking along Marine Parade, with disabled bays, and on-street parking in the surrounding streets. Check signs for time limits.
Are the Coolangatta markets on if it rains?
The organiser says the markets are open rain, hail or shine, and to check its social media for updates to trading.
Are there toilets and a playground at Queen Elizabeth Park?
Yes. The council lists toilets, including a disability toilet, and two playgrounds, including a boat-shaped one opposite The Strand.
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